Mary Jo Bennett

Mary Jo Poplin Bennett of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma passed away on February 5, 2021. Mary was born on September 24, 1951 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Wanda “June” and Everett Lee Poplin. Mary is survived by her husband, Jerry, of 50 years, daughter Wendy (Dale) Niemeyer of South Coffeyville, daughter Gerri (Cris) Chandler of Tulsa, and son Brad (Lindsay) Bennett of Liberal, Kansas, grandchildren Sunny (Chris) Morris, Kole Niemeyer, Triton and Teton Chandler, and Marybelle and Madeline Bennett, and brothers Wally (Judy) Poplin and Bob (Susan) Poplin. 

Mary was a proud alumni of the Jenks Trojans. She was a life-long educator that instilled her educational values into not only her own children, but many others. Finding her love of education later in life after a career as a small business owner; her children were able to watch her graduate with a bachelors degree in education from North Eastern State University. She later accepted her first teaching position at Pretty Water schools. This would not be her last degree as she continued to earn not one but two master’s degrees. She educated thousands of students along the way including many of our friends. She ended her career as the Superintendent of Bennett Schools in Bennett Colorado. Her impact as an educator was so strong that all of her children and one grandchild so far have careers in education. 

Above all she loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. Checking in with each one of them daily even if it was a simple “Good night, love you” text at the end of the day. She was known for her wisdom and providing advice either warranted or unwarranted to her children and grandchildren. She also loved being at the “Lake”. The perch that reside in the waters of Grand Lake can rest easy as this point. 

The family will have a small visitation at Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 5:00pm - 8:00pm.  A funeral service will be held at Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service Wednesday, February 10 2021 at 1:00pm with burial to follow at Floral Haven Cemetery.

The funeral service will be live streamed on Schaudt Funeral Service and Cremation Care facebook page starting around 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 10.